Google is planning to phase out SMS-based two-factor authentication for Gmail, according to a recent report. Introduced in 2011, SMS codes have long been a key part of Gmail’s security. However, as tech companies increasingly shift to more secure alternatives like passkeys, Google is set to switch to QR-based logins instead of SMS codes later this year, based on information shared by Forbes from “privileged conversations with Google insiders.”
Ross Richendrfer, Google’s head of security and privacy public relations, confirmed the move in a statement to CNET. He explained that Google is rethinking phone number verification, with users needing to scan a QR code for authentication. This method is seen as more secure than the current system, which requires entering an SMS code after entering a password.
The shift comes as scammers continue to evolve their tactics, with Google aiming to reduce risks associated with network operators. Fraudsters have been exploiting vulnerabilities in SMS authentication, using techniques like SIM-swapping and “traffic pumping,” where scammers manipulate online service providers to send large numbers of SMS messages to numbers they control.
Google won’t be the first company to abandon SMS-based verification. In recent years, companies like X (formerly Twitter), Signal, Apple, and Microsoft have also moved to more secure alternatives, such as one-time codes generated by authenticator apps.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
